Mahatma Gandhi

Kaitlen Johnson- 1st

Mahatma Gandhi

Kaitlen Johnson- 1st

Gandhi

Gandhi was a born on October 2, 1896 in Porbandar which is now present-day Gujurat. He studied law in London at the inner temple. Gandhi was an activist for Indian Immigrants in South Africa, and gaining Independence from Great Britain. Mahatma Gandhi created many peaceful protests; many of movements took place between his protest in 1919 to his last in 1948. During the month of January in 1948 Gandhi died from a gunshot in Denali.

The Movements and Power of Protests

Gandhi and his spinning wheel- 1931

Gandhi used spinning to help him come at peace, and urged many of his followers to do the same. Spinning was not just a part of his philosophy, but also a form of protest. He did this to represent he did not want western clothes, and used this to boycott foreign goods.

Salt March- 1930

During Great Britain's rule in India a tax was put on salt. Salt is a major part of Indian culture cuisine, and a part of their diet. Mahatma Gandhi decided on March 12, 1930 to start a march to the Arabian Sea to collect salt. He defied British rule, and was arrested with many followers.

Skin and Bones- 1932

Fasting was another tactic Gandhi used to protest against British rule in India. He created this protest to go against the caste system that was made to separate the inhabitants of the country.

Gandhi and his spinning wheel- 1931

Gandhi used spinning to help him come at peace, and urged many of his followers to do the same. Spinning was not just a part of his philosophy, but also a form of protest. He did this to represent he did not want western clothes, and used this to boycott foreign goods.

Salt March- 1930

During Great Britain's rule in India a tax was put on salt. Salt is a major part of Indian culture cuisine, and a part of their diet. Mahatma Gandhi decided on March 12, 1930 to start a march to the Arabian Sea to collect salt. He defied British rule, and was arrested with many followers.

Skin and Bones- 1932

Fasting was another tactic Gandhi used to protest against British rule in India. He created this protest to go against the caste system that was made to separate the inhabitants of the country.

Previews of the Protests

Throughout Mahatma Gandhi's life he participated, and created many movements for justice for his people. He used multiple peaceful protests to show his desire for freedom from certain negativities facing his followers. History has many leaders that represent rebellion and activism, but Gandhi will remain remembered for his times of peace to create change. Multiple photos and videos documents the activities of his movements: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibagACLb-6s People do not have to just read and imagine what is like, but can see it with their own eyes.

Parallels of Gandhis actions and Thoeraus "Civil Disobediance"

Gandhi in many cases of his life represented the meaning of civil disobedience. Many people view the term "civil disobedience", and what defines a person as disobedient. In this world of multiple opinions how is a person identified as "disobedient?" Henry David Thoreau believes that the government itself cannot change the Nation, but the people within it are able to. Mahatma Gandhi started ideas of change, and actually took action in what he craved for his people. Thoreau has written multiple ideas for how change can begin within a country, but commonly refers back to it being mans duty: "This American government... It has not the vitality and force of a single living man; for a single man can bend it to his will." Gandhi used himself as an example to his followers the benefits of how peaceful protesting eventually gets the issues talked about. He chose civilized manners to help gain India's independence, and freedom for his followers from Great Britain. Time and time again India's were getting killed, jailed, and horrible beaten for defying the oppressive laws set upon them. Yet, instead of using brute force after these kinds of attacks Gandhi held group prayers. After these prayers the people would leave more at peace because Gandhi told them to wish peace on their oppressors. Therefore Gandhi was the one who formed a mass group of people for change. Gandhi held enough courage to be the first to fight for things the natives wanted as a whole. He parallels Thoreau's ideas on civil disobedience on multiple levels. Eventually other activists such as Martin Luther King Jr. used many of Gandhi's to gain right for their minority group. Gandhi a single person sparked change during his time, and for many others after his passing.